Queen Street celebrates Chairman’s Special Award

Glasgow Queen Street station has scooped its fourth award in 12 months in recognition of its striking transformation.

Scotland’s third busiest station received the Chairman’s Special Award at the National Railway Heritage Awards 2022 (NRHA) last month, presented by HRH the Duke of Gloucester.

The NRHA award follows on from two Scottish Transport Awards in the autumn, for Excellence in Transport Design and Transport Project of the Year, as well as the Station Excellence Award at the Rail Business Awards in the spring.

The £120m redevelopment of Queen Street represents an integral part of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) – a significant strategic investment funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Network Rail.

Over the four years of delivery, from 2017 to 2021, Network Rail, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and main contractor Balfour Beatty worked collaboratively to redevelop the station while it remained fully operational throughout.

Alex Hynes, managing director of Scotland’s Railway, said: “Since work completed at Glasgow Queen Street in the autumn of 2021, the response to the station has been remarkable. The striking building is a welcome addition to Glasgow’s dynamic cityscape and one that has been fully embraced by citizens and visitors alike.

“While the prime objective was to extend several platforms, the project delivered so much more than this. The innovative design showcases the station’s renowned heritage while at the same time, creates a 21-century travel hub that provides an enhanced experience for our passengers in every sense.

“To receive this number of awards is a fitting tribute to a collaborative team, from architects, engineers and contractors to station colleagues – who successfully delivered this innovative project. I congratulate each and every one of them for their deserved recognition.

“The legacy of Queen Street is the pivotal role the station continues to play in helping Scotland’s Railway create a more sustainable future for passenger and freight services, and the communities they serve.”

Although the redevelopment was the final part of EGIP, it was key to the strategic delivery of the electrification of the main line between Edinburgh and Glasgow via Falkirk High.

This was crucial in allowing the introduction longer, greener electric trains, increasing capacity to manage passenger growth and enhance service provision.

The redeveloped station includes a larger concourse than before with double the circulation space for passengers (increasing from 900m² to 2002m²⁾, and it is also fully accessible with lifts into the new building from Queen Street and step-free access from Dundas and North Hanover streets.

Improved facilities for customers include a travel centre, toilets and Changing Place to help those travelling with more complex care needs.

Photo credit: Network Rail

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